Crewe Alexander confident in the kids coming through the ranks (From Crewe Guardian)

Crewe Alexander confident in the kids coming through the ranks

4:40pm Thursday 3rd December 2009

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ALEX youth coach Neil Critchley is confident the club can hang on to their star players. While media attention on the recent poaching row has dipped, the problem remains. Boss Dario Gradi hit national headlines back in September after his comments put the spotlight on Liverpool’s pursuit of 15-year-old striker Max Clayton. And with the production line now rolling once more, Critchley hopes Crewe’s unique approach will keep it intact. “The big clubs have widened their network of scouts,” he explained.

“When you have a reputation like Crewe’s for producing players, we come under attack.

“Hopefully the parents see we coach the boys in the right way and with us having a smaller staff, we can build up more of a personal relationship with them.

“We look after the boys as best we can but at the end of the day, it’s about getting them into the first team.” It was a sad day for many as Crewe started their league two campaign without any home grown players in their 11 – the first time for an age. Fears over the future also escalated when scholars Matt Lund and Ben Marshall opted to sign pro forms at Premiership outfit Stoke City due to changes within the Alex infrastructure. But with Gudjohn Thordarson history, the likes of James Bailey, Ashley Westwood and Luke Murphy have all enjoyed an extended run at senior level.

And the next generation is also thriving after Saturday’s success down Gresty Road. Son of assistant boss Steve, Harry Davis secured a third round trip to Arsenal with his extra-time winner. Having been postponed twice, the FA Youth Cup tie against Bradford was switched to the Alexandra Stadium with the first team out of the senior competition. In front of a decent crowd, Ryan Harrison capped a strong start for the visitors by netting the opener. However, Cheyenne Dunkley led the fight back, levelling things up from a corner as the Alex edged exciting action going into the break. Both sides went all out for a winner but nothing could separate them until the young defender found the net in the second period of extra time. Davis finished another dead-ball special at the far post to earn the Alex youngsters a dream clash later this month. “We feel running the academy is still right for the club,” added coach James Collins. “We are very confident in the kids we having coming through.” The tie is scheduled to take place at Barnet on Wednesday, December 16.

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